What was your best memorabilia addition to your collection in 2014?

[parker1b2]

2nd side of the ball reads:

The "Hall of Famer" won.
All the best
John J Cerutti
image.jpg

[jbsports33]

1907 Cornell Baseball Large Baseball Photo

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by jbsports33

1907 Cornell Baseball Large Baseball Photo

I would love to see a pic...I've been know to collect a few Cornell items .

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by parker1b2

2nd side of the ball reads:

The "Hall of Famer" won.
All the best
John J Cerutti
Attachment 171601

Hi Jonathan,
That is a cool ball.
I'll tell you what, black ball point ink is notorious for wrecking more signed balls. It literally becomes invisible ink over time.

I'm not sure if you ever heard this fact re: Phil Niekro's 300th win game before but, Niekro was constantly ribbed by teammates that he couldn't win without his "trick" signature pitch the knuckleball.

"Knucksie" decided to make his 300th win game interesting and didn't throw his 1st knuckleball until the 9th inning, on what I believe was his FINAL OUT.
I guess that showed everyone that he could pitch a little bit. How cool is that?
Terrific historic game!

[parker1b2]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Hi Jonathan,
That is a cool ball.
I'll tell you what, black ball point ink is notorious for wrecking more signed balls. It literally becomes invisible ink over time.

I'm not sure if you ever heard this fact re: Phil Niekro's 300th win game before but, Niekro was constantly ribbed by teammates that he couldn't win without his "trick" signature pitch the knuckleball.

"Knucksie" decided to make his 300th win game interesting and didn't throw his 1st knuckleball until the 9th inning, on what I believe was his FINAL OUT.
I guess that showed everyone that he could pitch a little bit. How cool is that?
Terrific historic game!

Thanks Scott!! I read that somewhere about him not using the knuckleball that game. Like you said, he showed everyone he could pitch a little bit.

[byrone]

Originally Posted by parker1b2

Favorite pick up of 2014 was a game used ball from Phil Niekro's 300th win. The ball was autographed, inscribed and given to Phil by John Cerutti who was making his 1st Major League start that day against Phil. Unfortunately the signature and inscription has faded over time and rates about a 2-3, but covers two panels on ball. Ball is clearer in person.

1st side of ball reads:

Phil, To the man I had to face in my first ML start I was going for #1 you for #300 Oct 6, 1985

Attachment 171600

Remember watching Niekro's 300th win game on TV.

It was classic Billy Martin in the 9th inning

from the NY Times summary of the game...

Because the division race had ended Saturday, Manager Billy Martin punctuated the ninth inning with uncharacteristic levity. First he allowed Joe Niekro to warm up his older brother before the inning, then he had Joe go to the mound to talk to Phil after Fernandez doubled.

''Joe came out,'' Phil related, ''and asked if I wanted to walk (Jeff) Burroughs and pitch to the next guy. I said I'd just as soon pitch to Burroughs. We were friends and played together in Atlanta.''

Martin also, as a joke, had several pitchers warming up as the inning was beginning. ''I didn't expect that,'' Niekro said. ''Knowing Billy, it didn't surprise me.''

Great stuff

As an aside, very sad that John Cerutti passed away so young, he seemed like a fine guy

[jbsports33]

here you go enjoy! - can you find the little dog

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by jbsports33

here you go enjoy! - can you find the little dog

No, I cant.........

[canjond]

Second row, between second and third players from the right.

[ruth-gehrig]

Here....this one's more obvious

[Runscott]

this one is LESS obvious (but it's there)

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by canjond

Second row, between second and third players from the right.

There he is!

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by Runscott

this one is LESS obvious (but it's there)

What the hell am I looking for?

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

What the hell am I looking for?

I thought we were playing 'find the pooch'.

[vintagesportscollector]

Second floor, the guy to the far right?

[vintagesportscollector]

Two mins too late...my wife distracted me.

[GoCubsGo32]

Today's auction victory, sealed my best pick up of 2014.The record plaque from the "Cannon Trophy" ( rivalry trophy between Purdue vs Illinois Football) dating back to 1943, the first year of the trophy, with series scores up to 2013. Beyond awesome to think of all the amazing players to hold this trophy. I guess my next project is to build a replica of the rest of the trophy Boiler up! Hail Purdue!

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by GoCubsGo32

Beyond awesome to think of all the amazing players to hold this trophy. Boiler up! Hail Purdue!

Very nice pickup.

There would be more "amazing players to hold (the) trophy", though, if it was from a series with Ohio State.

[bat_master]

Pretty easy choice for me. 1932 MVP Season (his 1st). Foxx hit .364, with 58 home runs with 169 RBIs, missing the Triple Crown by just three points in batting average. He was back-to-back MVP in 1932 and 1933.

[GoCubsGo32]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

Very nice pickup.

There would be more "amazing players to hold (the) trophy", though, if it was from a series with Ohio State.

Who....? Never heard of them.....

[stone193]

Reading what you guys have picked up is a treat. Great stuff!

My primary focus is baseball games.

I picked up my "whale" - for a really good price - I really got lucky!

Major League "Indoor" Base Ball Game

[Huysmans]

Hey Mike, great pick up! She's a beauty.
I'd love to know where you found that?
I have a few games myself, including, sadly, just the generic example of this game.
Got a best game or favorite?

[MVSNYC]

Killer stuff, guys. Tim, love that Foxx bat.

This was a nice piece for me from REA. circa 1903 Highlanders stub.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Mike- That is a beautiful game! I have been hoping to pick up the green cover (less expensive) version. Can you tell me what team cards were included in your edition. I am trying to compile a list of all teams/seasons of rosters were issued.

Thanks and happy holidays!

[stone193]

Originally Posted by Huysmans

Hey Mike, great pick up! She's a beauty.
I'd love to know where you found that?
I have a few games myself, including, sadly, just the generic example of this game.
Got a best game or favorite?

Hi Brent - thanx!

I got it on ebay recently - I was the only bidder with an opening bid of $999.98. Before I placed the bid, I conferred with the boys over at the Game Forum as to the likelihood it was authentic. The cover is definitely chromolithographic under a 20x.

I've been a game collector since 2004 - and this game was my "whale." So, this is the centerpiece of my collection.

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by stone193

Hi Brent - thanx!

I got it on ebay recently - I was the only bidder with an opening bid of $999.98. Before I placed the bid, I conferred with the boys over at the Game Forum as to the likelihood it was authentic. The cover is definitely chromolithographic under a 20x.

I've been a game collector since 2004 - and this game was my "whale." So, this is the centerpiece of my collection.

Congrats on a wonderful pickup. Tough to find... especially at that price and in that condition

[stone193]

Originally Posted by Hot Springs Bathers

Mike- That is a beautiful game! I have been hoping to pick up the green cover (less expensive) version. Can you tell me what team cards were included in your edition. I am trying to compile a list of all teams/seasons of rosters were issued.

Thanks and happy holidays!

Hi Mike and thanx!

Will get back to ya soon. I haven't had a chance to organize them. As you know, they can be broken up - some are - some not.

I picked up the generic version a few years back. The games appear identical other than the cover. Tho a variation appears with respect to whether is has the patent applied for or the actual date.

From my "indoor" version:



From my "generic" version:

[stone193]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Congrats on a wonderful pickup. Tough to find... especially at that price and in that condition

Thanx Mark! As I said, I really got lucky. Perhaps due to the fact that it was listed under "antique toys" - with no reference to sports? Perhaps the high starting bid?

[Huysmans]

Originally Posted by stone193

Hi Mike and thanx!

Will get back to ya soon. I haven't had a chance to organize them. As you know, they can be broken up - some are - some not.

I picked up the generic version a few years back. The games appear identical other than the cover. Tho a variation appears with respect to whether is has the patent applied for or the actual date.

From my "indoor" version:



From my "generic" version:

Hey Mike, despite the usual consensus among collectors, I still find EBay to be great for amazing items and finds..... You just have to search a lot harder these days! 😁

And I have noticed a few subtle differences, though not necessarily between the generic and indoor versions themselves, but just in general. I could be wrong with these, and it would be great for Dr. Cooper to chime in with his expertise and provide clarity.

1. The boxes that came with the Indoor version to house the line-up cards, didn't come with the generic version. This could be to make the game more affordable, as the generic model seems to have been made as a cheaper alternative for contemporary consumers.

2. Only the indoor models have a patent pending listing without a patent date. This would again lend credence to the idea that the generic version came after the indoor, as a more moderately priced example.

3. I've seen examples of both versions... I'm pretty sure.... that were attached opposite. On my generic version, the spectators shown are at the hinge side of the board. I've seen at least two examples that I remember that were put together with the scoreboard end being at the side of the hinges, where the game folds shut and is attached.

Again, I definitely could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time. 😎
I'd love to hear if others have info or knowledge to share.
....otherwise, have a great day collecting!

[slidekellyslide]

Slow year for my collection...but did get some nice items.

Best photo - 1906 cabinet of Nebraska Indians player


Best card - Sam Miley night giveaway at the park


Best postcard - Nebraska Indians

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by Hot Springs Bathers

Mike- That is a beautiful game! I have been hoping to pick up the green cover (less expensive) version. Can you tell me what team cards were included in your edition. I am trying to compile a list of all teams/seasons of rosters were issued.

Thanks and happy holidays!

I've got a generic version that came with several team cards from 1917. I Imagine they issued every AL/NL team card each year. At the time you could send in a 1 cent postcard every year and get the latest years batting order for each team free! I also have a few cards from the International League (Buffalo, Providence, ..), so I suspect you could get team cards from the American Association, Pacific Coast league, as well as the Federal League.

image.jpg

[stone193]

Originally Posted by stone193

Hi Mike and thanx!

Will get back to ya soon. I haven't had a chance to organize them. As you know, they can be broken up - some are - some not.

I picked up the generic version a few years back. The games appear identical other than the cover. Tho a variation appears with respect to whether is has the patent applied for or the actual date.

From my "indoor" version:



From my "generic" version:

Hi Mike

The teams were woefully incomplete. I'm gonna check this against the other game I have.

I only found "team header" cards for:

AL:
Wash.
Phil.
Chic.
Det.
St. L

NL:
Bost.
Cinn.
Pitt.
St. L

I'm sure with kids handling these games - little cards would seem to be a casualty of usage and transportation.

[stone193]

Originally Posted by vintagesportscollector

I've got a generic version that came with several team cards from 1917. I Imagine they issued every AL/NL team card each year. At the time you could send in a 1 cent postcard every year and get the latest years batting order for each team free! I also have a few cards from the International League (Buffalo, Providence, ..), so I suspect you could get team cards from the American Association, Pacific Coast league, as well as the Federal League.

Attachment 171972

Thanx Joe for taking the time to post some examples.

I'm gonna have to check out what I have in my generic version.

[stone193]

Originally Posted by Huysmans

Hey Mike, despite the usual consensus among collectors, I still find EBay to be great for amazing items and finds..... You just have to search a lot harder these days! 😁

And I have noticed a few subtle differences, though not necessarily between the generic and indoor versions themselves, but just in general. I could be wrong with these, and it would be great for Dr. Cooper to chime in with his expertise and provide clarity.

1. The boxes that came with the Indoor version to house the line-up cards, didn't come with the generic version. This could be to make the game more affordable, as the generic model seems to have been made as a cheaper alternative for contemporary consumers.

2. Only the indoor models have a patent pending listing without a patent date. This would again lend credence to the idea that the generic version came after the indoor, as a more moderately priced example.

3. I've seen examples of both versions... I'm pretty sure.... that were attached opposite. On my generic version, the spectators shown are at the hinge side of the board. I've seen at least two examples that I remember that were put together with the scoreboard end being at the side of the hinges, where the game folds shut and is attached.

Again, I definitely could be wrong, it wouldn't be the first time. 😎
I'd love to hear if others have info or knowledge to share.
....otherwise, have a great day collecting!

Thanx Brent for the post!

I have only one contribution - on the generic version - the one I picked up did have the 2 "red" boxes that also came with the more attractive "indoor" game.

inside generic version:



Also, I believe Butch from the Game Forum believes that the patent applied for and patent date version can be found in the generic version of the game.
I'm gonna let him know of this discussion in case he misses it - the men at the front office have just about the most comprehensive knowledge on any game in general IMO.

[Huysmans]

Mike, thanks!
So it turns out I was right..... About being wrong. 😒
I'd definitely like to learn more about both versions and their anomalies.

[stone193]

Originally Posted by Huysmans

Mike, thanks!
So it turns out I was right..... About being wrong. 😒
I'd definitely like to learn more about both versions and their anomalies.

Now that's funny!

Merry Christmas.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

This is great stuff, I plan to make a concentrated effort to finally land a copy this year.

As far as the lineup cards go I have seen several groups of International League cards but no other minor leagues so far. I am assuming the Federal League line ups are scarce.

[bbpostcards]

Awarded from owner Dan Dugdale (who is in the Old Judge set) to Willard Meikle (who is in the Obak set) upon Seattle winning the 1912 Northwestern League championship. For more - especially early postcards - visit http://www.sportingoregon.com . Always buying!

[Butch7999]

Just to chime in on the Major League Indoor Base Ball thing -- and by the way, Mike, again, fantastic pick-up, and thanks for the invite --
Mike himself has covered it pretty well. Yes, the "Indoor" edition does seem to hail from earlier than the "green-box" edition, by perhaps
just a year or less. The "green-box" edition is usually seen with the patent date, but a few examples sport the "patents applied for" legend.
We've seen dozens of examples of both editions in varying degrees of completeness, but while AL, NL, International League,
and Federal League roster strips have shown up, we've never seen any evidence of AA or PCL rosters.
We've never seen an example of either edition that was hinged at the scoreboard end, but we too are always learning...

The one other thing we'd mention is that a few examples of the "Indoor" edition have a pale beige background around the spinner,
while every example we've seen of the "green-box" edition has a pale blue-grey background there. However, as with Mike's game,
most of the "Indoor" games have that blue-grey coloring as well. Something to watch out for if one is considering a purchase of "Indoor" --
the "Indoor" box lid can be copied and laser-printed and the fake then inserted over the "green-box" lid (we've seen a couple of
weak attempts at it).

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Butch glad you jumped in on this. Have any of you been compiling a season by season list of what years were available?

[Butch7999]

We've seen examples from most years 1913-1926, so we assume they were printed and distributed for every year in that range.
Can't say, though, sorry, whether the minor league strips were made for all of those years.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

I had no idea they went through 1926! Do you assume the basic game was still being sold all of those years?

[71buc]

Wow there have been some amazing pick ups this year. My own pale in comparison. Nonetheless, they all represent items that I have long searched for. The 1941 autographed Satchel Paige was picked up in a trade with another board member. I had always wanted a vintage original Satchel Photo or autograph. To obtain both was a joy. Thanks again Derek! The 1971 NLCS game 1 stub took three years to find and I have never seen another. The same can be said for the 1971 Pirates season pass. It was a thrill to add the Jose Pagan game used 1971 World Series bat to my collection. I have seen a few Oriole versions but this was the first Pirate bat I have encountered. Thankfully scarcity doesn't always equate to desirability which limits my competition and keeps things I want within my price range.

[sayheykid54]

I was lucky to add this tough Detroit Tigers ashtray to my collection.

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by sayheykid54

I was lucky to add this tough Detroit Tigers ashtray to my collection.]

Oh, that is sweet!...Mike H. Would like that

[Bpm0014]

2014 brought me 6 new T206 player game-used bats. I now have a total of 12.

[mjkm90]

Originally Posted by sayheykid54

I was lucky to add this tough Detroit Tigers ashtray to my collection.

That is a GREAT piece. If you ever want to sell or trade it, please keep me in mind

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by Bpm0014

2014 brought me 6 new T206 player game-used bats. I now have a total of 12.

Nice image of all that lumber...what players do you have?

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by mjkm90

That is a GREAT piece. If you ever want to sell or trade it, please keep me in mind

I thought you would LOVE that Mike.

[ngrow9]

Originally Posted by matty39

Additions to my federal league collection.

Great Federal League pieces! I picked up a couple smaller items for my FL collection this year.